Begin Here

[Brother Ali]

Brothers and sisters I know we had a good time this evening

If we can get your attention, at the stage for just a minute, please

Want thank y'all ever so kindly for coming out and joining us yet again

You know me and Anthony sure do appreciate it

We want to thank, his majesty, I Self Divine, for, blessing us

With his presence here this evening

Yeah, you know my big brother Slug, he got on the mic tonight but

If you listen real close he's there in everything we ever did

In the background smoking, you know, being cool

Ant break this down for me

Just going give you a few more words before we, before we get on outta here

(*clears throat*)

When I was young you couldn't tear me away from the stereo

And used to carry one with me everywhere I go

As I memorized the words I genuinely believed every line I heard

I thought that these men that I referred to

Was prophets of our time would never lie in verse

I can't begin to tell you how it hurt

As time went on some of them disguises burst

I always said if ever I get heard, if ever I am perched in an elevated place

High enough so this world can recognize my words

I would never turn and try to hide my face

And so I give it all as an author

Even if myself is all I have to offer

I don't exaggerate it, I would gladly be hated for what I am

And just stand and state it

And if you relate then you can take it

All human beings are the same when we're naked

We all living through the same insane trip

But we ain't it in alone if somebody stand up and say..

[Brother Ali]

A lot of people waiting for their big break to make it

You going spend your all life waiting until you learn that

Anything given to a man can be taken

Only thing that's ever really yours is what you earn

It's a mistake to label it patience when you see a person

Latently waiting for a turn

Another one got the faith to go and take his

Win, lose, or draw the end ain't the concern

I want it so bad I can taste it

And makeshift tools are the only ones to work

In the hands of a dreamer to make it take shape with

See if I can't get this old torch to burn

And all of those chains and the bracelets are symbols of that

For which our souls yearn

Strip it all away and what you face is we're trying to touch happy

Before we touch the earn

I thank you from the bottom of my heart

Every show you ever saw, every album that you bought

You can be my guest and tear it all apart

At the foundation you'll be sitting there with what I fought

The past is gone, my path is charted

My grasp is strong, I'm just getting started

My aim is steady and my view is clear

My name became heavy and the truth is here...